GlossaryBeginner
Confirmation
A block added on top of the one containing a transaction, adding confidence it's permanent.
A confirmation is counted each time a new block is added on top of the block that contains a given transaction. More confirmations generally mean greater confidence that the transaction is permanent and won't be reversed.
Different services and networks may require a different number of confirmations before treating a transaction as final, depending on the value involved and the network's typical block time.
Examples
- An exchange might require several confirmations before crediting a deposit to a user's account.
- A transaction with only one confirmation carries more residual risk than one with many.